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- News Archives: 2010-2017
GCS Dropout Rate Increased in 2014-15 Along with the State
A new report shows dropout rates are increasing across North Carolina, as well as in Guilford County Schools. The report shows GCS’ dropout rate rose to approximately 2.2 percent, up from 1.97 percent last year. This is the first time in seven years the district’s rate hasn’t dropped.
The most common reason GCS students gave for dropping out was to attend community college for their GED (19.4 percent) followed by attendance issues (18.1 percent). Students dropped out most frequently in 10th grade (32.8 percent), followed by 9th grade (30 percent). About 57 percent of students who dropped out were male, 49 percent were black and the number of dropouts increased for all subgroups.
“Every high school has a dropout prevention team that reaches out to students at risk of dropping out and works with them to find solutions to keep them in school,” says Charlos Banks, executive director of student services and character development. “Even one dropout is one too many. That’s why GCS has services to help students get through those challenges and earn their high school diplomas.”
These options can range from tutoring services and online classes to finding more suitable settings and schedules through GCS magnet, choice and alternative schools. These options help contribute to GCS’ record-high graduation rate of 89.3 percent for the Class of 2015.
The difference between the dropout rate and the four-year cohort graduation rate is timing. The cohort graduation rate follows a group of ninth graders across four years’ time and reports the percentage of these students who graduate four years after beginning high school.
The annual dropout rate illustrates the number and percentage of students who drop out during one year’s time. Some of these students may return to school the following year and complete high school while others may drop out multiple times.
The four-year cohort graduation rate is considered a more comprehensive picture of the issue of students’ persistence and high school completion.
GCS’ dropout rate is below the state dropout rate of 2.39 percent.
Dropout Rates – GCS vs. State
School Year |
GCS Dropout Rate |
N.C. Dropout Rate |
GCS Dropout Count |
N.C. Dropout Count |
2014-15 |
2.2 percent |
2.39 percent |
529 |
11,190 |
2013-14 2012-13 |
1.97 percent 2.07 percent |
2.28 percent 2.45 percent |
467 487 |
10,404 11,049 |
2011-12 |
2.15 percent |
3.01 percent |
495 |
13,488 |
2010-11 |
2.71 percent |
3.43 percent |
625 |
15,342 |
2009-10 |
2.81 percent |
3.75 percent |
651 |
16,804 |
2008-09 |
3.13 percent |
4.27 percent |
723 |
19,184 |
2007-08 |
3.31 percent |
4.97 percent |
760 |
22,434 |
The full report containing state, district and charter high school dropout counts and rates for 2014-15 is available online.